Former DCI Agent Speaks to Milbank Teens About Social Media Dangers

Have you ever felt unsure, uninformed, or worried about what to say to your kids about staying safe online? Help arrived on September 5. MHS Principal Dan Snaza introduced Brett Garland to Milbank tweens and teens at a special presentation. Garland traveled to MHS to take the bull by the horns and speak to students in grades 6-12 about the increasing risks of social media and digital interactions, and the possible long-term consequences of online behavior or misbehavior.  

Garland, originally from Milbank, was named South Dakota’s School Safety Program Director four years ago. His 28 years of experience in law enforcement and his background as a DCI (Division of Criminal Investigation) agent, particularly his work on sex crimes against children, gave street cred to his warnings. Garland emphasized the growing problems surrounding cyberbullying, sextortion, and inappropriate content. He identified sextortion as the most prevalent digital crime targeting young people, surpassing even cyberbullying. He provided examples gleaned from his own career, about students who were deeply affected by sexting incidents and cyberharassment. He also warned that many young people fall victim to online predators posing as peers, only to find themselves being blackmailed later with inappropriate photographs or demands for large sums of money. 

“You are at the age where your brains are still developing,” Garland cautioned. He reminded his audience that  their online activity is not just visible to their friends, but might someday provide interesting reading or viewing for scholarship and college admissions boards, coaches, and employers.

He explained that inappropriate content, once shared, spreads uncontrollably, and can create a persistent digital shadow that can haunt the person for years. “Your digital footprint never goes away. Everything you share online becomes permanent. Everything you do leaves a trail.”

Garland also recognized MHS senior Jericho Jones – one of only 10 juniors and seniors from across South Dakota who was selected to participate in the state’s Student Ambassador Program —a peer-led initiative to address school safety issues from the perspective of young people.  

In tandem with the Ambassador program, Garland highlighted the Safe2Say South Dakota program, which launched on September 28, 2022. The Safe2Say program encourages students to use the anonymous platform to report concerning or alarming actions or threats in hopes of bringing about an early intervention or resolution to prevent a tragic outcome. 

The Safe2Say South Dakota program operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week with a toll-free hotline number, a web-based reporting portal, and a mobile app for phones and other digital devices. The caller will be connected with a trained Safe2Say crisis official while maintaining the caller’s anonymity. The information will then be forwarded to a multi-disciplinary team of law enforcement, school officials, and mental health professionals. Similar platforms are used in other states, and approximately 11 states use Safe2Say.

Three ways  to make a report: Call 1-844-3SD-SAFE/1-844-373-7233.  Make an online report by going to https://safe2say.sd.gov/ and clicking the button Submit a Tip Online or download the mobile app.